Simple cars with large engines at really affordable rates. A successful formula for the '60s, the '70s and maybe even the early '90s. The question I often ask myself is: does this formula still work? Sophistication in cars is an area with infinite possibilities. The future of cars is certainly bright and ultra sophistication is the road most manufacturers need to ensure that automobiles progress with the rest of the world. In contrast, muscle cars are kind of taking us back in time - at least with the way they look.
"A steed for every need" is what Ford calls it, where customers get to choose from a choice of coupé, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features. Not a bad way to look at it. The Mustang reinvented the muscle car a few years ago with the introduction of its fifth generation models. It is one of the very few cars that did not fade away over the years. The Mustang stood the test of time. It's back and it's better. It's now 45-years-old and is going strong. Surely a great achievement given the fact that this segment had faced severe setbacks over the past few decades resulting in many similar cars from other manufacturers being taken off the production line.
The 2010 Mustang has a great new look. Sleeker, meaner and a lot better than the previous models without really deviating from its character. This new look was quite a necessity given the recent invasion of our streets with a new range of muscle cars from other manufacturers - all of them probably inspired by the success of the new generation Mustangs. It was clearly time for a new and improved steed.
The 2010 Mustang's 4.6-litre V8 engine produces 315 horsepower and is better handling and has a lot more road grip than its predecessor. The new improved suspension and the standard ‘AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control (ESC)' have contributed a lot to the improved handling and ride quality. It still feels a lot like the earlier Mustangs, but with more refinement.
The radio antenna has now been moved to the rear part of the car and the rear spoiler comes with an integrated camera and is useful to an extent. Most of the features have been integrated into the car without deviating from the original Mustang image. Something Mustang fans would be really happy about.
Talking about gadgetry and features, the Mustang has completely eliminated competition in the ambient and instrument lighting department by offering 125 colour options. I often wonder why anyone would need such a feature, but like all trends that once started small, maybe cars in the future will come with these features as standard.
Multimedia interface on the new Mustang now features Microsoft's SYNC which is quite user-friendly and compatible with a whole range of Bluetooth and portable media devices. The Shaker music system is now integrated with the SYNC interface and is therefore a lot more functional than the previous models. Audio quality is average but sufficient for most motoring enthusiasts.
Fast and powerful
Driving the Mustang always gives one a liberating feel. It's light, powerful and fast enough for most people. The Mustang fits in perfectly in a world where motoring chaos is at its peak. Cars are getting more and more sophisticated by the day and keeping up is quite exhausting. This is where a car like the Mustang comes in. It's like enjoying the simple things in life when you get tired of your exhausting performance-driven life.
The Mustang's curve handling capabilities have always been a subject of debate, but what I feel is that it doesn't really matter. The Mustang isn't really built for ultra precise handling or for excellent track times. The Mustang is the common man's sports car. It looks great, is fast enough and is open to endless after-market modifications. This in my opinion is the answer to the present situation in the motoring industry.
The steering feel and straight road drive is quite the same as previous Mustangs, however, these are a lot more stable on turns. The exhaust tone as always is very fulfilling and complements the way the car drives and looks. Most owners might opt to install louder after-market exhaust systems on their Mustangs, but the fact remains that the sound this car makes contributes a lot to its image. The Mustang would really be incomplete without a great-sounding exhaust tone, and this goes for most muscle cars.
The Mustang's build quality has definitely improved over the years and the 2010 model takes it a step further. More leather padding and better ergonomics. On the whole, the interiors have gone through a process of improved detailing and refinement and this adds to the appeal of the car from the inside, which is something that most cars in this segment often ignore.
The 2010 Mustang has gone up in price owing the improvements made, but I feel that the relative increase is quite reasonable and competitive with respect to its rivals.
The Mustang is a car that I would never refuse to consider. No matter how sophisticated sports cars get, there will always be a set of fansthat love the way muscle cars feel. The Mustangs are getting better and so are most of the other muscle car brands.
The future will offer a lot of challenges, especially to this segment, but as long as the Mustang stays true to its fans like it always has, it is sure to beat the odds and continue offering a great driving experience at an affordable price.
